MT1 > Human Disease Definitions 2 Flashcards
What is “descriptive epidemiology”?
Collecting data and describing occurrence of human diseases. May imply methods of disease detection.
What is “analytical epidemiology”?
Analysis of a particular disease using either “case control method” or “cohort method” (longitudinal study). Relies on statistical inferences.
What is “experimental epidemiology”?
Tests the effectiveness of a new drug/vaccine using appropriate scientific method.
What 3 components make up the epidemiological triad?
- Agent
- Host
- Vector
What are examples of the “agent” component of the triad?
Bacteria, Protozoa, Virus, Prions, Chemicals.
What are examples of the “host” component of the triad?
Humans, Animals, Plants, Bacteria.
What are examples of the “vector” component of the triad?
Ticks, Mosquitoes, Needles, Surgical devices.
What are some examples of techniques that can be used to detect an infectious agent?
PCR, Microarray, Elisa, Epi-fluorescence microscopy.
When was the first antibiotic discovered? What was it?
Penicillin discovered in 1928, and was in major use by the beginning of WWII.
What differentiates the attitudes of biologists from the attitudes of physicians re: infectious disease?
Biologists: consider infectious agents.
Physicians: consider symptoms and affected organs.
What percentage of world deaths are caused by communicable diseases? What about non-communicable diseases? Injury?
- Communicable disease: 32%
- Non-communicable disease: 58%
- Injury: 9%
What is the goal of epidemiology?
To prevent and control health risks faced by human populations.
What tools exist to control disease at the “Host” level of organization?
- Vaccines and toxoids
- Antibiotics
What tools exist to control disease at the “Environment” level of organization?
- Control vector via insecticide
- Hygienic procedures
- Genetic engineering to control disease gene expression
What did the traditional model of epidemiology stipulate regarding disease transmission?
Exposure > Disease
